Breaking into Acting For Dummies. Larry Garrison

too. Here they are

       Film and TV: Although you may not automatically star in the next box office smash or have your own sitcom, you don’t want to overlook the traditional acting routes of film and television. Chapter 12 explains the feature film and television market, so you can use your knowledge to break into these highly lucrative markets right away.

       Commercials: Appearing in a commercial can be another great way to get exposure, gain valuable acting experience, and possibly make a lot of money at the same time through the magic of residuals (also known as royalties), which is money actors receive every time their commercials appear on national television.Many famous actors, including John Travolta, got started in television commercials, which ultimately led him to television and, finally, feature films. See Chapter 13 for more information on breaking into the commercial acting market. We discuss how commercials have changed in regard to unions and residuals and how to break in to this world.

       Theater: Don’t forget this time-honored tradition! Chapter 14 explains this prestigious acting market and what you can expect when performing in a play.

       Voice-over acting: Watch any Saturday morning cartoon, animated feature film, or animated TV show (such as The Simpsons), and you’ll soon realize that many actors can make a great living just by acting with their voices alone. Best of all, voice-over acting relies strictly on talent and not on looks, which means that actors of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities can find a wealth of opportunities open to them — no matter what their age or appearance may be. Go to Chapter 15 for more on the hidden but lucrative world of voice-over acting.

       Extra acting: Although being an extra won’t necessarily make you rich and famous, Chapter 16 shows you how to use extra acting to help yourself break into show business from the inside. After you start working as an extra, you can peek behind the scenes to see how film and television acting works. You can also make invaluable contacts with directors and other actors who may be able to help you pursue your dreams of acting.

       Roles for children: In case you have children, you may want to get them into show business as well. Peek at Chapter 17 to see what types of acting opportunities may be available for your son, daughter, nephew, or niece. With a little bit of luck, your child may be able to earn their own money by appearing in commercials, films, TV shows, commercials, or theater.

Managing Money (A Little or a Lot)

      As a beginning actor, you have to figure out how to juggle acting, earn a living, and handle your money all at the same time. To help you keep your money (and avoid losing it on show business scams that promise you success but only take your money and run), make sure to read Chapter 18. Con artists prey on actors, so this chapter can expose the more common con games and help you avoid wasting time and money on these scams.

Until you start earning a steady income from your acting career, you’ll most likely need a day job to provide you with a reliable source of income. Chapter 19 explains different types of jobs suitable for actors who may need to take off for an audition in the middle of the day. This chapter also provides tips for looking for a job that provides the most flexibility and income, so you can focus your efforts on becoming a working actor.

      

Acting is a completely unpredictable business. One moment you’re flooded with work, and the next few months (or years) may bring you no work at all. That’s why many aspiring actors pursue a second career. Not only does this choice provide a solid financial foundation so that they can live halfway decently, but it also gives them enough financial security so that a single rejection isn’t emotionally or financially devastating. If you’re too busy worrying about paying your rent this month, you probably won’t have enough energy to focus on becoming a better actor.

      Chapter 20 offers tips for managing your money wisely, from saving and investing your hard-earned cash to living frugally on a budget. We also give you some tips on ways to live cheaply (or even rent-free).

Knowing What to Expect from an Acting Career

      At the very least, acting can expose you to interesting people, situations, and environments that you might never see otherwise. You’ll figure out how to face and conquer your fears of speaking before an audience, how to use your body and voice to present yourself to others, how to develop a thick skin to handle the inevitable criticisms that you’ll receive from less than adoring fans, and how to develop social and negotiating skills when searching for work and working with your fellow actors.

      Oh, and by the way, you may make a little money on the side from acting as well.

      

If your purpose for acting is to get rich, you should probably start a business, work for a Fortune 500 company or become a lawyer instead. Many different paths to riches are much more reliable than acting. If your purpose for acting is to get noticed, you don’t need to be onstage or in front of a camera. Go into acting because you want to become an actor. Any other reason for becoming an actor is ultimately pointless and self-defeating.

      No matter what your age, your occupation, or your appearance, you can break into acting at anytime from anywhere. It all boils down to desire, drive, and persistence. Combine those traits with the information in this book, and you can discover how to blaze your own trail to success in the wonderfully wacky, weird, and slightly surreal world of acting.

Chapter 2

      Discovering How Show Business Has Changed and Adapted

      IN THIS CHAPTER

      

Figuring out the business of show business

      

Peeking behind-the-scenes at the creative process

      Being an actor is just one part of show business. This chapter gives you a chance to peek behind the scenes of show business, so you can better understand how the entire process of creating a film, television show, commercial, or play works. You can also figure out how you, the actor, fit into the larger scheme of the world of entertainment.

Understanding the Business of Show Business

      First and foremost, show business must create, develop, and present shows that people want to see. Whenever the show business industry forgets this simple rule, it tends to produce bombs that flop and waste millions of dollars in the process (while also tainting the careers of everyone involved in the flop).

Paradoxically, although the show business industry has no problems lavishing millions of dollars on actors, producers, writers, and directors who have a history of working on blockbuster hits, these same show business executives are extremely reluctant to risk any money on unknown talent.

      In the past, an unknown actor often had to struggle for years in low-budget productions that were more receptive to newcomers. Gradually, as the actor gained more experience, she could get the more visible and lucrative roles and, from the general public’s